Leica SL 16-35

[tpenate2]

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Might be better protocol to call dealers where you listed to advise of purchase so they could save the trouble and adjust expectations.... for them and for other customers.

 

Jeff

 

Thanks for suggestion.  I think San Francisco was the only other one.  In any case, on their part it's a phone call, thanks, and on to the next, I don't see the harm to other customers that you reference.  But, thank you anyway.

[Jeff S]

Thanks for suggestion. I think San Francisco was the only other one. In any case, on their part it's a phone call, thanks, and on to the next, I don't see the harm to other customers that you reference. But, thank you anyway.

Customers may choose dealers and/or gauge expectations based on lists. If everyone follows your initial approach, the lists become even more untrustworthy than they already are. And thereby encourage others to use the same scattershot ‘ordering’ process. Do unto others....

 

As for dealers, it’s no wonder Leica might find it difficult to gauge demand. And no wonder dealers might not go out of their way to follow up with a customer on a list if the initial call doesn’t result in immediate contact.

 

Jeff

Edited July 22, 2018 by Jeff S

[JeffWright]

Customers may choose dealers and/or gauge expectations based on lists. If everyone follows your initial approach, the lists become even more untrustworthy than they already are. And thereby encourage others to use the same scattershot ‘ordering’ process. Do unto others....

 

As for dealers, it’s no wonder Leica might find it difficult to gauge demand. And no wonder dealers might not go out of their way to follow up with a customer on a list if the initial call doesn’t result in immediate contact.

 

Jeff

 

I've actually asked several Leica boutique dealers and they don't mind people being listed at several places. It's a competitive business at the end of the day.

 

Leica can probably fairly judge demand based on total number of preorders and volume of camera bodies shipped. They've used a strange business model for this thing anyway. All 3 zooms should have been available when the body shipped, or shortly thereafter. I think they would have had better adoption of the system without that failure.

 

I was so far down the list on the place I originally requested mine from (27+ months ago), I probably would have left the SL system out of frustration if I hadn't found it via another boutique dealer last week--after being on their list for only 2 weeks. I'd certainly gotten to the point where I was pricing alternative systems.

Edited July 23, 2018 by JeffWright

[Jeff S]

Lists have become meaningless as orders, especially when dealers know that people follow the above practice of getting on multiple lists and not having the courtesy to advise other dealers after fulfillment. Vicious cycle. Dealers are in quick call mode, not customer service mode; they might as well use robo-calls.

 

I’ve never waited more than a week or two to find a product when I really wanted it, even while many others here complained here about long wait lists; aggressive calls to small dealers have worked well on those few occasions.

 

I could have easily found an SL at any point over the last year if I wanted one.

 

Jeff

Edited July 23, 2018 by Jeff S

[thighslapper]

I’ve never waited more than a week or two to find a product when I really wanted it, even while many others here complained here about long wait lists; aggressive calls to small dealers have worked well on those few occasions.

 

Jeff

 

I've had the same experience ...... but I find it helps to be polite ...... maybe things in the US are different .......  

 

I have a vision of you shouting down the phone 'gimme the effing lens you weasel..... I know you've got one ...... now, pronto .... or the boys will be round to sort you out ...... '  

Edited July 23, 2018 by thighslapper

[Jeff S]

I've had the same experience ...... but I find it helps to be polite ...... maybe things in the US are different .......

 

I have a vision of you shouting down the phone 'gimme the effing lens you weasel..... I know you've got one ...... now, pronto .... or the boys will be round to sort you out ...... '

I hope you’re joking, and understand that the calling process is aggressive (creative, determined) while the conversations are very pleasant. In fact, I’ve built some nice relationships with some small, distant dealerships and their owners as a result.

 

Jeff

Edited July 23, 2018 by Jeff S

[thighslapper]

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I hope you’re joking,

 

Jeff

 

   

[Jeff S]

The first paragraph, with rolling eyes, fits your more typical sarcasm, not humor.

 

Jeff

[PBart]

Give Allen's Camera in Levittown, PA or Leica Store SoHo a call. Both have taken very good care of me over the years and called when the 16-35mm arrived in stock. That was months ago so who knows unless you call for an update. Love my 16-35mm!

[lanetomlane]

I'm collecting mine on Saturday from the Leica Store in Manchester (Stephens). I don't do the "ring round" bit as I've found it advantageous to stick to the one dealer who has given me superb service over the years.

[IkarusJohn]

Emailed my local dealer on the off chance - how much, no hurry, really only tyre kicking.

 

Delivered tomorrow ...